Mediterranean temporary waterbody

These are shallow to very shallow temporary pools, existing only in winter and early spring, and seasonally wet depressions, mostly oligotrophic, in the Mediterranean and warm Atlantic part of Europe, and in Northern Africa.  They are colonised by pioneer ephemeral freshwater vegetation with above-ground growth visible for only a short part of the year,  just 1-3 months. The predominant life forms are annual amphiphytes (Mediterranean spring annuals/therophytes), germinating in the aquatic phase and reproducing in the terrestrial ecophase, such as species of Juncus, Lythrum and Elatine or semi-terrestrial geophytes such as species of Isoetes and Serapias. Ephemeral vegetation types constituted by these plant species occur on water-saturated or submerged acidic sands or calcium rich soils, which completely dry out in spring. In some cases ephemeral vegetation is also developed in the flush habitats on rock outcrops, where seasonal surface runoff creates temporarily wet conditions in the patches of rock debris. The communities are classified in the order Isoetalia, covering the alliances Isoetion, Cicendion, Lythrion tribracteati, Preslion cervinae and Agrostion salmanticae. This habitat is very important for invertebrates (especially branchiopods and dragonflies) and amphibians (newt and frogs, like species of Triturus, Bufo, Rana and Hyla).

Indicators of quality:

• Distinct vegetation zonation related to the water level fluctuations

• Natural hydrological regime of the catchment with no significant hydrological impact by e.g. water extraction as indicated by pipes, dams, removal of soil/gravel and with conditions adequate for the survival and persistence of typical species

• High insolation of the habitat without excessive shading by scrub or forest vegetation

• Relative abundance of Mediterranean annual and geophytic species

• Substrate with no excessive disturbances (e.g. excessive trampling)

• Clear water with no eutrophication

• Absence of evidence(s) of primary or secondary succession (e.g. encroachment of shrubs, tall helophytes) and or floating species (pleuston)

• No garbage and waste dumping

• No impact of pesticides and pollutants

• Not significant presence of nitrophilous or ruderal species or invasive neophytes

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats